John Major claims SNP timed referendum with Bannockburn anniversary to maximise anti-English sentiment

09:52, 18 Jun 2014

Updated 11:49, 17 Jul 2014

ByScotland Now

THE former Prime Minister believes Alex Salmond set the date to co-incide with celebrations marking Robert the Bruce’s victory against English invaders.

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Former British Prime Minister John Major, left, speaks to First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond

FORMER Prime Minister John Major claims Alex Salmond has deliberately timed the independence referendum to maximise anti-English sentiment with the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn.

Major believes the SNP set the date for this year so it would co-incide with celebrations marking Robert the Bruce’s victory against English invaders.

He made the claims as he visited Scotland to speak up for the Union in the independence debate.

Speaking in Edinburgh, the Tory grandee pointed out that prior to the Union, England and Scotland had met as enemies on the battlefield many times.

But he stressed the two nations had fought together as friends and allies many times since.

He added: “Which is why, if I may be brutally frank, I find it rather sad that the SNP chose the anniversary of Bannockburn for the vote, presumably to maximise the opportunity for any anti-English sentiment that may exist.

“For hundreds of years, we have fought wars together as brothers-in-arms under the Union flag.

“There are two other events also happening this year.

“Two weeks ago, there were the D-Day commemorations. And in July, we will commemorate the start of the First World War.

“How ironic it would be that come September, we mark the great sacrifice of so many brave men as separate nations.”

Major said September’s referendum is more important than the general election next year.